Blog Samsung SL202 Review: Stunning Photography at an Affordable Price

In this review, we'll take a close look at the Samsung SL202 camera. It's a versatile and compact camera that delivers stunning picture quality at an affordable price. We'll cover all the features, including the 10.2 megapixel resolution, 3x optical zoom, and digital image stabilization. Plus, we'll give you our expert opinion on how this camera stacks up against other popular models on the market.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Samsung SL202 article cover photo

Key Features

Feb 17 2009

Announced

10 megapixels

Resolution

BrandSamsung
Sensor Type1/2.3-inch
SensorCCD
Weight168g
MSRP$100USD

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Overview of the SL202

If you're looking for an affordable point-and-shoot camera for your next adventure, the Samsung SL202 might just be what you need. With its 10.2 megapixel resolution, 3x optical zoom, and digital image stabilization, this camera packs a lot of power in a small, compact package. But is it worth the investment? In this review, we'll break down all the features and give you our thoughts on whether the Samsung SL202 is the right camera for you. So, let's get started!

Samsung SL202 Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Samsung SL202 camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!

Pros

10.2 megapixels
Compact size
3x optical zoom
Face detection technology
Affordable price
Simple user interface
640x480 video recording
Built-in flash
SD/SDHC memory card support

Cons

No manual controls
Average image quality in low light
Plastic construction
Slow shot-to-shot time
No optical image stabilization
No external microphone jack
No HD video recording
Requires AA batteries (not included)
Limited color options.

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Samsung SL202

Weather sealed
Dimensions92 x 61 x 23mm
Weight168g
Thickness23mm
Weight
Min
Avg
This
Max
Thickness
Min
Avg
This
Max

Weather Sealing

The Samsung SL202 is not sealed against water and dust, so it's important to be careful when using it in such conditions. If you often shoot in environments with water or dust, it's recommended to check out another camera with weather sealing.

Design and Handling

Main design features

View FinderNone
Screen TypeFixed Type
Screen Resolution230k dots
Body typeCompact

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a fixed type 2.70" screen, with a display resolution of 230k dots. This makes the Samsung SL202 not as suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you cannot view yourself while shooting selfies easily. Unfortunately, the camera does not have a touch screen, which may make it less user-friendly.

Viewfinder

Samsung SL202 does not include a viewfinder. The lack of a viewfinder on the SL202 camera may make it less suitable for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Samsung SL202 has a 10MP sized CCD sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 10 pixels. Samsung SL202 has a native ISO range of 80 - 1600 which can be boosted to null - null.

Key Features

Feb 17 2009

Announced

80 - 1600

ISO Range

Sensor1/2.3-inch
Extended ISOnull - null
Max resolution3648 x 2736 pixels

DXO Sensor Scores

Overall

not tested

Color Depth

not tested

Dynamic Range

not tested

Low Light ISO

not tested

DXO mark sensor scores

The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Samsung SL202 camera has excellent color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also excellent, allowing it to retain high amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is excellent, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the SL202 is excellent

Crop Factor

Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.

Size comparison

Medium FormatFull FrameAPS-C (Sony, Nikon)

Crop factor calculator

Crop factor

1x

Full frame equivalent

24mm

This camera: 1/2.3-inch

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

StorageSD/MMC/SDHC card, Internal
Battery Life
Battery ModelSLB-10A
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Samsung SL202 supports SD/MMC/SDHC card, Internal with 1 slots for storage. This may suffice for everyday use. However, for professional applications such as wedding photography, it is not recommended as a memory card malfunction could lead to the loss of all footage.

Battery

The Samsung SL202 uses the SLB-10A model of undefined. This is rated for undefined shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.

Photography Features

Flash

The Samsung SL202 has built in flash which is great for event photography and in low light situations. However it lacks an external flash shoe, which limits you to using the built-in flash.

Shutter

The Samsung SL202 boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/1500s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.

With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.

Autofocus

The Samsung SL202 includes contrast detection autofocus (AF), with null number of focus points.

While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.

Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.

On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.

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FAQ

What is the sensor size of the Samsung SL202?

The Samsung SL202 features a CCD sensor

Is the Samsung SL202 weather sealed?

No the SL202 does not have weather sealing.

When was the Samsung SL202 announced?

The Samsung SL202 was announced on Feb 17 2009

Does the Samsung SL202 have in-body image stabilization?

No the SL202 does not have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.

What is the ISO range of the Samsung SL202?

The SL202 has a native ISO range of 80-1600, which can be expanded to ISO null-null for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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